Hunslet have welcomed Ben Stead into the fold (From Keighley Cougars) on a two week loan to help bolster their backs in preparation for another big game at home to Workington Town (Sunday April 21st 3pm).
The Parksiders turned last weeks match at Midlands Hurricanes around. Trailing 18-0 they ended up winning 26-30 with the defence a positive for Coach Dean Muir. “We started slowly, but from 18-0 down we were positive and showed great goal line defence. We need to be better around the rook and with our kick/chase, but in attack we were quite comfortable and executed our plan well.”
Last weeks Player of the Match Daniel Spencer-Tonks has been recalled by host club Swinton, but Muir was pleased with his other loanee Mackenzie Scurr who “carried hard and was strong”, also receiving praise is full-back Jimmy Watson “Jimmy is really on form, he’s super passionate and is in the form of his career.”
Watson picked up a niggle at Midlands but is expected to be fit, as did Scurr and Captain Billy Gaylor is being monitored at training tonight. Also back in the squad is Jack Mallinson, who along with Keenan Dyer-Dixon has been playing at Stanningley ARLFC. “Jack has worked really hard and played well at Stanningley and deserves a place in the squad.” said Muir.
Concerning Hunslet’s Dual Registration with Wakefield Trinity Muir stated “This is a real positive for the club. It’s not just about players, but also support off the field. Wakefield are a forward thinking progressive club, and this arrangement is not loaded one way. It’s 50/50 for both clubs.”
Looking forward to the visit of Workington Town this week the preparation has been deep. Muir has watched all their games and believes Workington to be a team pushing for the top 4. “They have a good middle unit and have recruited well. They’ve suffered injuries like us but any team with Carl Forber, Jarrod Sammut and last years League 1 player of the Season Ciaran Walker will be a tough test.”
Hunslet have had nerve jangling victories on the road at Rochdale and Midlands, but after defeats against the two league favourites hope to get back to winning ways at the South Leeds Stadium in front of the home faithful.
The winning try at Midlands was particularly pleasing as it was from a move practiced in training executed brilliantly by Matty Beharrell and Jude Ferreira.
With Season long injuries to Lewis Wray and Brandan Wilkinson, centre Will Adams out for 5-6 more weeks and winger Ben Sheils with a knee problem, Hunslet may look to even further bolster their backs in the coming weeks as the games keep coming in an important section of the season.
Could Muir explain a little more about his statement on the Dual Registration with Wakefield . Some of it does not make a lot of sense to me.